Resource LLC plans to take part in the development of downtown Columbus’ River South District, just as it helped establish the Arena District as a business address 14 years ago.

The marketing agency will lease 60,000 square feet of the $50 million “250 High” office and apartment complex planned for 250 S. High St. At the development, expected to be completed in 2015, Resource will consolidate 44,000 square feet it fills at the Moline Plow building at 343 N. Front St., and 7,000 square feet in Nationwide Arena offices and a photography and video studio in the Grandview area.

The agency agreed to move into the Arena District during construction of the sports arena that became the centerpiece of a neighborhood that grew to nearly $1 billion in development.

“I have loved being part of the Arena District; it’s been great for business,” Mooney said. “Now we’re ready for something new.”

Daimler Group Inc. and Kaufman Development in August unveiled plans for their 12-story complex that will include 120 apartments and about 135,000 square feet for offices. Architect NBBJ, which designed the project, also has shown interest in taking up to 25,000 square feet at the 250 High building.

Resource’s decision to remain in the central business district is significant, said Daimler President Bob White Jr.

“It’s the opposite of the trend from the last 10 to 15 years,” White said, when many downtown tenants headed to the Arena District or suburban office parks such as Polaris and Easton.

Columbus Development Director Steve Schoeny said the growing residential base promised by apartment development could lead to more office projects.

“We think (250 High) brings out the best of what downtown has to offer,” he said. “Companies are finding the downtown (housing) option is something they need to attract and retain great talent.”

The complex will be built on a parking lot between East Rich and Main streets, land owned by the city’s Capitol South Community Urban Redevelopment Corp., which redeveloped the site of the demolished Columbus City Center mall into the Columbus Commons park.

“We think being part of an exciting development in the downtown is very attractive to our associates,” Mooney said, including some who may want to make their homes in apartments at 250 High.

“We really like the proximity to Columbus Commons and all of the new development around it,” she said, “And we love what’s happening along the Scioto River.”

Mooney said the agency considered several spots in Columbus.

“We met with a lot of developers in town and looked at ... various projects either in progress or slated to be built,” she said. “Frankly, we had a lot of choices, including staying where we are.”